Daily Current Affairs : 15-January-2024

India, the vibrant agricultural hub, is poised to claim the title of the world’s largest lentil (masoor) producer in the upcoming 2023-24 crop years, owing to an expansion in cultivation areas. This development holds significant relevance in the context of agricultural dynamics, falling under the purview of GS III: Agriculture.

Lentil Overview

Consumption Patterns

Lentils, valuable as human food, are commonly consumed in the form of dry seeds. In India, they are colloquially known as ‘Dal’ after the removal of outer skin and cotyledon separation. Additionally, lentils are referred to as Masur and Malka, the latter denoting bold-seeded varieties.

Climatic Conditions and Cultivation Practices

Lentils exhibit hardiness, tolerating frost and severe winters, thriving in cold temperatures during vegetative growth and warmer temperatures at maturity. The optimal growth temperature ranges from 18 to 30°C, and cultivation extends up to an altitude of 3,500 m in the northwest hills. Well-drained loam soils with a neutral pH are ideal for lentil cultivation, while acidic soils are unsuitable.

Geographical Distribution in India

Major lentil cultivation is observed in states such as Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Punjab, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. The diverse geographical spread underscores the adaptability of lentils to various agro-climatic conditions.

Characteristics and Utilization

Lentils are not only easy to cook but also highly digestible, boasting a high biological value. Beyond human consumption, various parts of the lentil plant, including dry leaves, stems, and broken pods, serve as valuable cattle feed.

Global Production and India’s Standing

As of 2022, the top global lentil producers include Canada, India, Australia, Turkey, and Russia, as per FAO data. Despite being the second-largest producer, India traditionally imports lentils from countries like Australia, Canada, Russia, Singapore, and Turkey. Recent imports have also been noted from the UAE, USA, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.

Important Points:
  • Lentil Overview
    • Consumption Patterns
      • Valuable human food consumed as dry seeds.
      • Known as ‘Dal’ in India after processing.
      • Also referred to as Masur and Malka (bold-seeded).
    • Climatic Conditions and Cultivation Practices
      • Hardy crop, tolerating frost and severe winters.
      • Thrives in cold temperatures during vegetative growth.
      • Optimal growth temperature: 18-30°C.
      • Cultivated up to an altitude of 3,500 m in northwest hills.
      • Well-drained loam soils with neutral pH are ideal.
    • Geographical Distribution in India
      • Major cultivation in states: Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Punjab, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, etc.
    • Characteristics and Utilization
      • Easy to cook, highly digestible, and of high biological value.
      • Various parts used as valuable cattle feed.
  • Global Production and India’s Standing
    • Top global lentil producers in 2022: Canada, India, Australia, Turkey, and Russia (FAO data).
    • Despite being the second-largest producer, India traditionally imports lentils.
    • Import sources include Australia, Canada, Russia, Singapore, Turkey, UAE, USA, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.
Why In News

India is poised to emerge as the global leader in lentil (masoor) production during the 2023-24 crop years, driven by increased acreage and a robust agricultural sector, reinforcing its position as a key player in the global food market.

MCQs about Lentil Production

  1. What is the primary reason for India’s emergence as the world’s largest lentil producer in 2023-24?
    A. Favorable climatic conditions
    B. Advanced cultivation techniques
    C. Increased acreage
    D. Government subsidies
    Correct Answer: C. Increased acreage
    Explanation: The India is set to become the largest lentil producer due to an expansion in cultivation areas.
  2. What is the colloquial term for lentils in India after the removal of outer skin and cotyledon separation?
    A. Masur
    B. Malka
    C. Dal
    D. Legumes
    Correct Answer: C. Dal
    Explanation: Lentils in India are known as ‘Dal’ after the removal of outer skin and cotyledon separation.
  3. Which soil type is considered ideal for lentil cultivation?
    A. Sandy
    B. Acidic
    C. Loam with neutral pH
    D. Clayey
    Correct Answer: C. Loam with neutral pH
    Explanation: Lentils thrive in well-drained loam soils with a neutral pH.
  4. Despite being the second-largest producer, from which of the following countries does India traditionally import lentils?
    A. Brazil
    B. Australia
    C. China
    D. South Africa
    Correct Answer: B. Australia
    Explanation: The India traditionally imports lentils from countries like Australia, among others.

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